GPS Cycle and Walking Routescycle iconwalk icon

Pen Yr Ole Wen

2.2 miles (3.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Climb to the 7th highest mountain in Snowdonia on this challenging walk in the Carneddau mountain range.
Start the walk from the National Trust Ogwen Cottage car park at the western end of Llyn Ogwen. Head up to the A5 and turn left until you cross the bridge. On your right you should see a stile and a National Trust information board. This path will lead you all the way up to the Pen Yr Ole Wen summit.
The mountain stands at a height of 978 m (3,209 ft), the same height as England's highest peak, Scafell Pike. There's splendid views over the Ogwen Valley, Cwm Idwal and the Glyderau group including Tryfan. After taking in the views the route then descends back to the car park on the same track.
To extend your walk you can try our Carneddau Walk and explore the other mountains in the range.
You can also enjoy lovely lakeside walks around the nearby Cwm Idwal and Llyn Ogwen.

Postcode

LL57 3LX - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Pen Yr Ole Wen OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Pen Yr Ole Wen Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Ogwen Snack Bar is located at the western end of Llyn Ogwen and a good option for some post walk refreshments.  It's open seven days per week for most of the year – opening only at weekends during the winter months. The popular snack bar can trace its history back to the early 1900’s when it was precariously perched on rocks at the head of the waterfall from which it takes its name.  Known throughout the world it has its place in the mountaineering history in this part of Snowdonia and has been run by the same family since 1953. It moved to its current location over forty years ago to the newer premises incorporating Snowdonia National Park warden office and public toilets. It sells a range of drinks, snacks, pasties, paninis and locally baked cakes. There's an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your food with fine views of the surrounding mountains. You can find the snack bar between Llyn Ogwen and Llyn Idwal at postcode of LL57 3LZ for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Lon Las Ogwen cycle route starts/finishes at the western side of Llyn Ogwen. The off road trail will take you north to the coast at Bangor, passing the splendid Penrhyn Quarry at Bethesda and the stunning glacial valley of Nant Ffrancon on the way. It runs mostly along old railway paths and the River Ogwen before finishing on the coast. The route is also suitable for walkers.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Ogwen waterfalls. - geograph.org.uk - 510844

Ogwen waterfalls.

Idwal Cottage Youth Hostel - geograph.org.uk - 542986

Idwal Cottage Youth Hostel

Afon Ogwen - geograph.org.uk - 705281

Afon Ogwen

Looking back down the mountainside towards Ogwen Cottage - geograph.org.uk - 971451

Looking back down the mountainside towards Ogwen Cottage

Scree on the mountainside - Foel-goch beyond - geograph.org.uk - 971388

Scree on the mountainside

The last of the steep ascent of Pen yr Ole Wen - geograph.org.uk - 971560

The last of the steep ascent of Pen yr Ole Wen

Pen Yr Ole Wen - geograph.org.uk - 599034

Pen Yr Ole Wen

View of Tryfan from Pen yr Ole Wen Summit - geograph.org.uk - 222977

View of Tryfan from Pen yr Ole Wen Summit

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Pen Yr Ole Wen.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Pen Yr Ole Wen.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)